1978 Honda Prelude vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1978 Honda Prelude is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1978 Honda Prelude. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 995 kg more than 1978 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Pontiac Catalina is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1965 Pontiac Catalina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Prelude, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Prelude. (141 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Prelude | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Prelude | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 103.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3080 mm |
